Karnataka moves to streamline private school recognition process amid corruption concerns

The Karnataka administration has moved to revisit the regulations that govern the approval and renewal of private aided and unaided schools, announcing on Dec 9 that a House committee will be constituted to study the issue and propose changes.

The declaration came after multiple members of the Legislative Council highlighted mounting difficulties experienced by private institutions in securing timely recognition.

School Education and Literacy Minister S Madhu Bangarappa informed the House that the government will take up the committee’s recommendations as soon as they are submitted and will decide on easing the rules thereafter.

He noted that the government intends to review the existing order in its entirety, aiming for a discussion that balances regulatory needs with operational realities faced by schools.

Several members appealed to the minister to ensure that institutions are not inconvenienced while the panel is being formed and until its suggestions are implemented.

Bangarappa agreed that interim relief would be arranged to prevent disruptions. He added that the committee would be set up without delay and reaffirmed that the government would “accept and implement its opinion once finalized.”

Legislators across parties backed the move, saying that procedural rigidity and renewal delays had placed significant pressure on many schools.

The debate also turned toward allegations of corruption in the renewal process. Members questioned the minister about complaints that some officials were seeking bribes during recognition assessments.

Bangarappa responded that although the department had tried to shift the renewal system online, the shift had not worked as intended.

He reiterated a firm stance against malpractice, saying, “If anyone is found to be making money on this order, we will take disciplinary action against such officials without hesitation. We will not allow corruption.”

Council members argued that such misconduct made regulatory relaxation urgent and called for the panel to be constituted at the earliest to safeguard the interests of both schools and students.